Srinagar, July 16, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated a 120-bedded state-of-the-art additional block at the Bone & Joint Hospital, Barzulla, Srinagar, marking a significant milestone in strengthening specialised healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The event, attended by key dignitaries including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakeena Itoo, and other legislators, underscores the government’s commitment to prioritising healthcare and education as foundational pillars of progress under the vision of #BadaltaKashmir.
The new block, constructed under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) with World Bank funding, is designed with earthquake-resilient technology and features advanced amenities such as modular operation theatres, a laminar flow system, a Theatre Sterile Supply Unit (TSSU), Intensive Care Units (ICUs), pre- and post-operation care wards, a Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), specialized laundry facilities, a pneumatic tube system, and a waste management system. This G+5 structure aims to address the hospital’s space constraints, which were exacerbated by the 2014 floods and a 2022 fire that damaged key sections, including operation theatres and wards.
Speaking at the inauguration, CM Omar Abdullah emphasized that no amount of infrastructure development—roads, power projects, or commercial complexes—can substitute for quality healthcare and education. “Without robust schools, colleges, universities, and hospitals, our progress as a society will remain incomplete,” he stated. He highlighted the hospital’s legacy, originally inaugurated by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in May 1982, and expressed pride in carrying forward this vision. The new block will serve not only Srinagar but also patients from across the Kashmir Valley, Chenab, Pir Panjal, and Kargil.
Recalling the hospital’s resilience through challenges like the 2014 floods and the 2022 fire, the Chief Minister praised the dedication of the hospital staff who continued providing orthopaedic care despite limited resources. He shared a personal anecdote, noting that he was treated at the hospital following a cycling accident in 1987, crediting its skilled surgeons for his ability to run 10–12 kilometers at age 55. To ensure the new block’s functionality, CM Abdullah directed authorities to expedite staff recruitment to fill necessary posts, stating, “We didn’t cut this ribbon for a photo opportunity. It will only be meaningful when these beds are occupied, OTs are functional, and our faculty is teaching future doctors.”
Minister Sakeena Itoo highlighted the rapid progress of the project under the current government, noting that healthcare facilities across Jammu and Kashmir are being upgraded with advanced diagnostic and treatment services, including MRI facilities and Cath Labs. She emphasized the government’s aim to provide world-class healthcare through Government Medical Colleges and associated hospitals. The project, executed by the National Projects Construction Corporation Limited (NPCC) and implemented by the PW(R&B) Department Kashmir, addresses long-standing issues of overcrowding, with the hospital previously forced to accommodate patients in corridors due to limited space.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to tackle urban challenges in Srinagar, including a survey to address water-logging hotspots and the launch of major infrastructure projects to ease traffic congestion, aligning with the vision of transforming Srinagar into a smart city. He congratulated the Principal of Government Medical College Srinagar, Dr. Iffat Hassan, faculty, doctors, and staff for their efforts in making the hospital a beacon of hope and healing.
This inauguration is a critical step toward enhancing orthopaedic healthcare in the region, reducing waiting times for surgeries, and improving patient care. The Bone & Joint Hospital, the largest orthopaedic facility in the Kashmir Valley, continues to serve as a cornerstone for trauma and orthopaedic treatment, catering to patients from Jammu, Ladakh, and beyond. The addition of this state-of-the-art block is a testament to the government’s commitment to #BadaltaKashmir, fostering a healthier and more prosperous future for the region.
